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Forums focus on health matters |
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
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By Jillian Duke
Courier Staff Saline Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a series of health forums to help educate the public on various issues, including heart disease, sleep disorders and diabetes.
The next forum is Thursday and registration is required.
Registration is free. Lunch is provided for $6.
To register, call 776-6863 and leave a message.
“We’re trying to provide educational opportunities for the community and really hope they take advantage of it,” said Rebecca Jones, SMH community relations manager.
The forums are held from noon to 1:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month.
Thursday’s forum will be held in the hospital’s Health and Education Building.
Local physicians who specialize in the related fields will lead the forums.
“We really want the community to start looking for the topic of the month and be aware that we’re holding these,” Jones said.
Jennifer Ring, clinical marketing specialist for the hospital, agreed that the forums are a good educational opportunity.
“This is an opportunity for our community to educate themselves on health issues that may be of concern.
“SMH is committed to enhancing the well being of our community, and this is something we hope many will take advantage of.”
The topic of this month’s forum is congestive heart failure in keeping with February as National Heart Month. Cholesterol also will be discussed in the class, which will be taught by Drs. Paul Baxley and Allan Hatch with Saline Heart Group.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the nation’s number one killer. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to the body’s other organs.
Congestive heart failure can result from things, such as narrowed arteries, high blood pressure, heart valve disease and primary disease of the heart muscle. The most common signs of congestive heart failure are swollen legs or ankles or difficulty breathing. Another symptom is weight gain when fluid builds up.
“If you’re interested in learning more about how to stay healthy, join us for a class,” Ring said. “You’ll be able to ask the doctors questions and discuss topics that are important to your well-being.” |
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